TPA | MW [✔]

07. Mingyu/Wonwoo

Mingyu

I can't get enough of the spark that dances across my skin when Wonwoo and I touch. One day I hope he can experience the feeling of it and not just the visual. I want to see the wonder light up his eyes when he feels that first tingle.

"Come on, we have some fun to have before we eat. Unless you need to eat first? We can flip-flop my plans."

He shakes his head, his auburn hair tickles his ears and I want to brush it out of his eyes. "I had a snack when I got home. Good to go for a while."

"Good." I lead him to my truck and help him in. I can't help buckling him in myself. He whimpers when I lean in close. I want to kiss him, but if I do, we might get sidetracked. "Have you played laser tag before?"

He sucks in a breath. "No, but I've always wanted to."

"I think you and your fox will love it. There are obstacles to climb and hide around. It'll be a blast."

"I can't wait!"

I walk around the truck and climb in. "After laser tag, we'll have dinner. I remember you liking Tony's Italian Restaurant. If that's still the case, that's my plan."

"You're the best, Mingyu."

I wish he wasn't so far away, but I hold out my hand and he takes it.

"I'm not an alpha that expects to run the show. When it comes to us, if you want there to be an us, it needs to be an equal partnership. I want you to feel like you can call me anytime, no matter the reason. Text me. Sound good?"

"So good." Wonwoo settles into his seat.

"I've missed you. I keep telling myself I don't live in the past, but I also keep thinking I should have gone after you all those years and I didn't. In the long run, I think parting was for the best. It allowed us to grow and mature outside of each other. But I think we've both suffered enough from being apart. We can put all that behind us, recover what we lost, and make it even better than before."

"You really want to?"

I squeeze his hand. "I'd love to."

"Okay, but we aren't kids anymore. Even though Eric grumbles at me for acting immature sometimes." Wonwoo hangs his head and picks at the seatbelt. "I can't help it if I have a youthful spirit. But I'm sidetracked..." He sighs. "We have to promise to talk and not just assume we're bothering each other. It's a personality flaw I'm well aware of."

"Pinky promise." I pop out my pinky from his hold. He connects his to mine and we shake on it. This is our new beginning.

*****

Wonwoo

I should probably settle down, but I'm entirely too excited. My seatbelt chokes me when I lean forward. I let out an undignified sound and snap back.

"Hold on, little fox. We're almost there."

I squeeze Mingyu's hand. The huge warehouse building comes into view and it's lit up in Christmas lights.

"They always get into the holiday spirit here." Mingyu parks and I'm out of the truck before he can make it to my side. He holds out his hand and I take it again. A shiver goes down my spine and I brush it off. There's a chill in the air and our breath puffs out in front of us.

Mingyu brings our hands to his mouth, and he kisses my knuckles. Has he always been this sweet? Despite wanting to be with him, my memory is muddied by that awful night all those years ago. "How did you examine your life and actions to be a better alpha?" I ask as we walk toward the building.